Page 299 of Scorching the Alien Empire
“Let them return to the clan halls—heads high, ale in hand, telling tales of valor beside trophies of the vanquished.” His gaze grows distant, a soft smile pulling at his lips. “Let the next generation of trueborn listen, hearts swelling with pride.”
He turns back to the Chieftains, voice low but clear.
“Thatis who we are. To deny it is to deny ourselves. The fire that burns in us—passion, fervor, vitality—it is bound to the blood. As are the chains of kinship that bind us. An unbroken legacy stretching through the ages. A path of light, holding back the dark.”
His words stroke the molten core of my blood. The Rush flares behind my eyes in a haze of crimson mist. Words not of flattery,but of wisdom. Of compromise. Of a path forward—toward recovery, strength, and redemption.
Every scar I’ve endured, every heart-rending loss... it has all led here.
Tothispurpose.
My father’s tarnished legacy—Iwill cleanse it. With fire. With fury. With honor restored to our sacred bloodline.
Silence clings to the chamber. The Chieftains’ stares press down like the Peaks of Scarn.
I bear them gladly. Proudly.
I step forward, slamming my fist to my chest. My gaze blazes into theirs.
“I accept this honor,” I growl, turning to Krogoth with a solemn nod. “And the High Chieftain’s faith.”
My fist trembles with power, raised before my face, the Rush spilling like red steam from my eyes.
“Those who burn for war—who ache for vengeance—follow me. I will rip the Scythians apart, piece by agonizing piece, and cast what remains into Arawnoth’s molten veins.
For what they took from us.
For what the Voidbringeris.
It willburnin our wrath.
It willknow fear.
And when we are done, it will benothingbut a cautionary tale echoing through the galaxies—for all eternity.”
The Chieftains respond with thunderous fists to chests, heads dipping in solemn salute.
“Congratulations, babes,” Princesa purrs, voice light and irreverent. “How exciting. The beginning of theDracie-Lexie-verse,” she adds with a wistful little flourish, before her gaze lands on Sandra. “But first... time for a slice of yummy humble pie.”
“Hey, Greg,” Princesa turns, smiling. “I—there’s something I want to say...”
She takes a breath.
“I’m sorry.” Both women blurting over each other.
They stare at each other, mouths slightly parted.
“Wait—why the hell areyouapologizing?” Princesa blinks, incredulous.
Sandra’s sapphire eyes drop to her fingers, nervously twisting. “What I said before... I didn’t mean it. I was just scared. Afraid something terrible was going to happen.”
“Oh, don’t lie, you rude bitch,” Princesa lets out a laugh, clearly relieved. “Youtotallymeant it. And it’s fine. Todd and I forgive you.” She gives her sleepy grub a gentle stroke. “And... I got you something.” She offers a wrapped gift, voice softening. “You know... for always being there for me. And stuff.”
“Ah!” Sandra’s freckled face lights up as she tears the wrapping like a crazed venefex. “That’s so—”
Her joy withers into a narrowed glare. She holds up the gift—a long strip of bright, garishly multi-colored fur—with a frozen expression.
“Lexie?”
